Top Volcanos in USA

You definitely want to watch the sunset from the visitor center at around 6 PM. It gets packed but it's worth it! I got some fantastic photos, plus it was a great way to acclimatize before the stargazing!

I highly recommend bundling your gear for the stargazing, like a warm blanket and hot chocolate. The weather can be super chilly at night, and you don't want to miss the stars because you’re freezing your butt off!

Check the weather before you go. I was caught in a surprise rainstorm, and it made some trails super muddy. A good rain jacket is worth packing!

Check out the local eateries in St. Helens. I found an awesome little cafe that served great breakfast but missed it on my first day. It's a cozy spot to fuel up before exploring

My advice is to download a good map or trail app before you go. I got lost on one of the trails because I relied on my phone's GPS which wasn't reliable. Don't make the same mistake!

I suggest budget for a few souvenirs; they’re not too expensive... I shouldn't have left without a volcano-themed mug! Worth the couple of extra bucks to remember the trip

If you're planning to hike, bring water and snacks. Trust me, you'll probably end up needing them, especially on longer trails. I regretted not packing enough for my hike on the loops.

Check the weather forecast before you go. Sometimes the steam gets lost in heavy fog, and you won’t get the views you came for. A sunny day makes all the difference!

If you have a chance, stop by the Kilauea Visitor Center. The rangers are super helpful and can give you insights to enhance your adventure.

Bring a refillable water bottle! The heat can get intense, and buying drinks on-site can add up quickly. Plus, you’ll stay hydrated.

Definitely try to catch the sunrise around 6 AM. The colors are just stunning and it’s way less crowded! You’ll thank me later.

Consider downloading an offline map before you go. Signal can be spotty, and you wouldn’t want to wander off track with no GPS!

Save money by buying an annual park pass if you plan to visit other national parks. I ended up paying more for a single entry when I could have saved!

Bring snacks and drinks. I thought I'd find a lot of food options, but some stops are quite limited. A stocked cooler saved my day.

If you're driving through the park, I suggest downloading the park map before you go. Cell service is spotty, and trust me, getting lost wastes time you could be exploring.

Bring layers! The temperature can drop unexpectedly at the summit. I was freezing in just a t-shirt, so pack a warm jacket and a hat!

I highly recommend arriving at the summit around 4:30 AM to catch the sunrise. The views are breathtaking and worth the early wake-up call, plus it gets crowded later.

Look for the Haleakala National Park Pass online before your visit. Pre-purchasing saved me $10 and simplified entry – no waiting in line when I got there.